“In Edo, We Don’t Tamper With Local Government Funds”, Boasts Okpebholo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, boasted that his administration, as a matter of policy, does not meddle into the finances of Local Councils.

This is just as he gifted each of the State’s 18 Council Chairmen, a sports  utility vehicle SUV.

The Source reports that the Governor  in October 2024, in concert with the State House of Assembly, controversially suspended all 18 Council Chairmen elected on the platform of the rival Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, citing their failure to account for Council funds as a major reason.

His decision to suspend the elected Council officials came amidst strident opposition from the PDP, and against the advise of the Attorney General, and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi.

While most of the suspended Council chairmen are presently in Court over the development, Governor Okpebholo has vehemently refused to reinstate those that have secured Court  Orders for their return.

Speaking at the occasion of the formal  presentation of the vehicles to the Chairmen held at the State Secretariat in Benin, the Governor accused his predecessor in office of greatly undermining and incapacitating Local Government  administration in the State.

According to him, the vehicles, and his administration’s non-interference in the Council funds, will enable them  effectively discharge their functions as the Third Tier of Government.

He expressed regret that for many years, Council officials were muzzled, intimidated and prevented from performing their constitutional duties, as well as delivering on the people’s mandate by the state Government.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his administration will rather perceive the Local Government Areas as partners in the  progress growth and development of the state, rather than as an appendage.

While lamenting that Edo State was taken many steps backward by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Governor, however, expressed satisfaction that the situation has remarkably changed within the short period of his regime.

“I want to thank God for making today possible as Council Chairmen in the State, now have the privilege to drive brand new vehicles.

“New things are beginning to happen in Edo state under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I know how much you are receiving in the Councils, and we will continue to measure your performance rate to see if it commensurates with what you are receiving.

“My administration does not interfere with your funds and resources.

“Edo will experience more development, even as we compete with Lagos, Abuja, and other frontline States of the Federation.

“The vehicles commissioned today are not for the private use of the Local Government Chairmen, but for the development of the people at the grassroots. I will monitor you to ensure that the right things are done”, the Governor stated.

The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, who spoke on behalf of the Council Chairmen, while appreciating the Governor for the  vehicles, lauded him for not tampering with the Council funds.

According to him, this is the first time in the history of Local Council administration in the State, that the State Government will be purchasing official vehicles for Council Chairmen.

While assuring of the readiness of the council officials to put in their best to reciprocate the gesture, he also expressed the optimism that the vehicles will aid them in the discharge of their duties.